In a series of tweets, Southeast District RCMP said "We continue to assess the situation and commit to update the #Slocan public when possible."

"Your safety is our primary concern, we must continue to ask residents to remain inside for their own safety."

More updates to come.

As of Friday night the search is continuing for an armed male suspect near the village of Slocan. Due to ongoing search efforts local residents are being asked to avoid the cordoned off area and remain indoors.

The suspect is known to police, he has been identified as 45-year-old Peter Degroot of Slocan. He is considered to be armed and dangerous do not to approach him, if seen call 9-1-1.

Description of Degroot:

Caucasian male

45 years

6 ft 1 in (185 cm)

170 lbs (77 kg)

Short brown hair

appears to be balding

blue eyes

glasses

I thank the residents of Slocan for their patience and cooperation during this tense situation. Your safety is our primary concern states C/Supt Frank Smart, District Commander for the RCMP Southeast District. The situation is being continually assessed and I remain committed to providing information when I can.

Additional resources including air support, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team, crisis negotiator, police dogs and Tactical Armoured Vehicle were deployed to the scene. Adequate resources have responded and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved.

Over the last 12 hours the Southeast District Emergency Response Team was successful in evacuating homes. As well, they safely extricated our member and some residents using our Tactical Armoured Vehicle within the containment zone overnight. Police were also able to search the suspect's residence which resulted in the seizure of a number of firearms.